The American Red Cross is having a Blood Drive at Birch Bay Village Estates Dining Room, 25 Village Inn Road, Bar Harbor on Thursday, May 27 from 9:00 to 2:00 sponsored by Mount Desert IslandHospital.

Hope for Haiti—art show and sale featuring the work of Haitian artists, May 28–31 at the Redfield Gallery in NortheastHarbor. Opening reception will be held Friday from 5–7 pm. Proceeds benefit the artists as well as the Episcopal Church in Haiti which is working to recover from the January earthquake through tent cities, the provision of food and medical assistance, and the reestablishment of its various schools. Please welcome the spirit of Haiti into your home or workplace with the purchase of one of these wonderful works.

Cynthia Bourgeault, "Putting on the Mind of Christ"—Thursday, June 3rd, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at St. Andrew’s, Seal Cove. The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault is an Episcopal priest, retreat leader, and widely recognized as one of the foremost teachers of Centering Prayer. She is the author of several books, including Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening and The Wisdom Jesus. Cost: $50, including refreshments and snacks. Please bring your lunch.

Embracing an Inclusive and respectful Community – Last Monday a couple of COA students were the victims of bias-motivated vandalism in their apartment. Swastikas and racial and ethnic slurs defaced their personal property. The college community is organizing a community potluck/picnic on COA's north lawn on Wednesday May 26th from 5:30-7 pm so that together we can stand in solidarity with the victims, celebrate our racial, religious, and other differences, and embrace an inclusive and respectful community, not just at COA but in Bar Harbor and on the island. Given the recent local news coverage of the swastikas on Tremont property, we felt that this would be best as an island-wide community event. A film will be shown in the lecture hall, and one of the students is organizing children's activities. It would be great to have as many community members there as possible.

Bishopswood Open House -- Sunday, June 6, 11 am - 2 pm.

Family Contra Dance at Bishopswood! Sunday, May 30, 3-5 pm. Live Music, Caller, Fun for All! The Belfast Bay Fiddlers, with caller Chrissy Fowler, will perform at a contra dance to benefit Bishopswood in our own Bishopswood Great Hall! Come to dance or just enjoy the music and, of course, Sandy's famous snacks. Bring a lunch, meet staff and campers, tour Bishopswood and enjoy some of Sandy's delicious snacks! Please come!

Meetings:

May 25 – St. John Singers at 5:30 p.m.

June 2 – Westside Food Pantry Wrap Up at 5:30 p.m.

Dolliver House - Our organist, Stephen Sampson, is moving into the Dolliver house. Some members of the congregation have been extremely generous in helping him furnish the house and he is extremely moved by their thoughtfulness and generosity. He is still in need of the following items. If you can help, please let Stephen know on Sunday.

·Twin bed and mattress, and sheets

·Several desk or table chairs

·An armchair

·A few small tables – ‘bedside’, or ‘end’ tables

·Larger table, for working on (for writing, etc)

·A couple of desk lamps

·Various kitchen items – a sharp knife, a cookie sheet, can opener

·Drapes for windows

·Used computer

·A small gas-powered mower (he has a hand-powered lawn mower)

The church office will be open Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30-2:30 (closed on Memorial Day). If you have questions or need assistance at other times, please call Ted Fletcher (244-3115) or Ann Halkett (288-5832).